Horiuchi Tomo was a member of the Unicorn Clan, a descendant of Horiuchi Junichiro. In 1160 he visited the Bayushi winter court. While in court one day, his intuition had him realize that a Soshi had only spoken to Lion representatives all day, and carefully avoided all Phoenix. He concluded that the Soshi were seeking an alliance with the Lion to the detriment of the Phoenix.